Treadmills are one of the most effective and versatile fitness machines, offering indoor running, walking, and interval training for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your health, a busy professional needing efficient workouts, or a serious runner training for a race, the right treadmill can help you reach your goals.
This guide will cover key features, different types of treadmills, buying considerations, and how to get the most out of your machine.
Why Choose a Treadmill?
A treadmill offers unmatched convenience for running and walking workouts, regardless of the weather or time of day.
Key Benefits:
- Consistent & Controlled Training – Adjust speed and incline for structured workouts.
- Weight Loss & Calorie Burn – High-energy treadmill sessions burn fat efficiently.
- Joint-Friendly Running Options – Cushioned decks reduce impact compared to outdoor running.
- Home-Friendly Cardio Solution – Stay active regardless of weather or schedule.
- Versatile Workouts – Use for walking, jogging, sprinting, or HIIT sessions.
How Treadmills Improve Your Health
Running or walking on a treadmill offers multiple health benefits, making it an excellent investment for long-term fitness.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health – Strengthens the heart and boosts endurance.
- Burns Calories & Supports Weight Loss – Running at 6 mph burns ~600 calories/hour.
- Strengthens Lower Body – Works quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
- Low-Impact Options Available – Treadmills with shock absorption reduce joint stress.
- Enhances Mental Health – Running boosts endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety.
Choosing the Right Treadmill
Selecting the best treadmill depends on your fitness goals, available space, and budget.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
- Weight Loss? Look for incline settings and high-speed options for interval training.
- Endurance Training? A powerful motor and longer running deck are essential.
- Joint Protection? Choose cushioned decks to reduce impact on knees and ankles.
Step 2: Consider Space & Storage
- Limited space? Opt for a foldable treadmill for easy storage.
- Dedicated workout area? A full-size treadmill offers a longer running deck and higher durability.
Step 3: Set a Budget
- Entry-Level (£300-£700): Ideal for walking and light jogging.
- Mid-Range (£700-£1,500): Includes incline, cushioning, and better durability.
- Premium (£1,500+): Best for serious runners—high power, smart features, and advanced tracking.
Step 4: Choose Key Features
- Motor Power – 2.0 HP or higher for running; 1.5 HP+ for walking.
- Running Deck Size – Short decks (120cm) for walking; longer decks (150cm+) for running.
- Incline & Speed Settings – More incline options for challenging uphill runs.
How to choose the right treadmill for your needs
If your aim is to walk, power walk or get in a gentle jog each day then a treadmill with a small or medium-sized running deck (see the deck size section below) and a top speed of 7.5mph to 10mph is most likely going to do the job for you. Many of this type of compact treadmill will also feature an incline system of some sort helping you to burn calories faster and will be all you’ll need, saving you both space and money. But, if your aim is to train for an event, or you’re planning on training hard 5 days a week, you’re probably going to need a larger, more sturdy model with a standard or oversized deck, a max speed of 11mph +, and, an motorised incline system that delivers an incline of 10% or more.
When it comes to running deck sizes, it’s always OK to go larger than you need to. Making sure you don’t go too small is the key. If you do choose a deck that’s too small for your natural stride, you are likely to feel restricted in your movement and going for a run won’t feel great.
Deck sizes generally fall into the following categories:
- Extra Small – any treadmill with a deck width of under 40cm or a length of less than 120cm falls into this category. As a rule of thumb, treadmills with deck sizes this small are usually suitable for indoor walking and jogging but not running or sprinting.
- Small – Running area of width of 40cm (15.75”) and a length of 120cm (47”). This deck size is suitable for walking, jogging and running by runners of any height. Shorter users (up to 155cm / 5ft 1in) will be able to run comfortably and sprint.
- Medium – Usually these models will have a running area that’s 45cm wide and between 125cm and 130cm in length. These are good for for walking, jogging, running and short sprints.
- Standard – This is by far the most popular deck size. General they’ll measure around 50cm in width and around 140cm in length. This size of deck is good for users of any height to be able to perform fast runs and sprints comfortably.
- Oversized - Some models feature a deck with a length of up to 160cm and as much as 56cm in width. These are suitable for all users and all types of running and tend to belong to heavy duty models.
Types of Treadmills
Treadmills come in different designs to match your fitness needs and space constraints.
Manual Treadmills
- Key Benefit: No motor—powered by your movement.
- Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, walking workouts.
Motorized Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Adjustable speeds and incline settings.
- Best For: Home runners, structured workouts.
Folding Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Space-saving design, easy to store.
- Best For: Apartments, occasional users.
Smart & Interactive Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Touchscreen, live classes, and virtual running routes.
- Best For: Motivation, engagement, and home workouts.
Commercial-Grade Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Gym-quality performance and durability.
- Best For: Advanced runners, high-intensity users.
Comparing Different Treadmill Models
Each treadmill type has unique strengths, depending on training style and budget.
Budget Folding Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Compact, foldable design for easy storage.
- Best For: Occasional runners, space-conscious users.
Incline Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Simulates outdoor hill training for added intensity.
- Best For: Weight loss and endurance.
Smart Treadmills with Apps
- Key Benefit: Live classes and virtual running routes for engagement.
- Best For: Motivated users who prefer interactive workouts.
High-Speed Performance Treadmills
- Key Benefit: Maximum speeds of 18 km/h+ for sprint training.
- Best For: Sprinters, high-intensity training.
How to Incorporate a Treadmill into Your Workouts
Treadmills are incredibly versatile, allowing for different training styles to match your fitness level.
1. Weight Loss & Fat Burn
✅ Use interval training (HIIT) – sprint for 30 seconds, walk for 1 minute.
✅ Adjust incline to increase calorie burn and engage more muscle groups.
2. Endurance Training
✅ Set a steady pace for 30-60 minutes to build stamina.
✅ Gradually increase speed and duration over weeks for progress.
3. Strength & Hill Training
✅ Use incline settings (5-15%) to target glutes and calves.
✅ Perform incline walks for low-impact leg strengthening.
4. Recovery & Joint-Friendly Workouts
✅ Walk at a slow speed (3-4 km/h) with minimal incline.
✅ Focus on proper posture and foot placement for knee support.
Final Thoughts
Treadmills are one of the most effective cardio machines for weight loss, endurance, and overall fitness. Whether you want to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, or train for a race, the right treadmill makes all the difference.
Just click HERE to browse our full range of treadmills. The filters will help you to pick out models that meet your criteria. And if you need any further help just let us know and one of our specialist advisors will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and provide advice to match you up with the right model.
